The Pine Bough
Pine River Elementary School Newsletter, April 2019
April Calendar
East China School District Inclement Weather Make-up Days
According to Michigan’s School Aid Act, all schools in Michigan must schedule and hold 180 days of school and 1,098 hours of instruction to receive full funding.
Due to the unprecedented weather this year, we experienced 12 “snow days” district-wide in which school was canceled. In addition, four schools (Marine City High School, Riverview East High School, Marine City Middle School, and Belle River Elementary School) were closed for a 13th day due to a water main break. Six inclement weather days are automatically forgiven and three additional days have been forgiven by the State through a waiver. The remaining days are required to be made up.
Maintaining student safety during bad weather is always our first priority. Obviously, there is concern about extending the school year too late into June. With this mind, we have looked at the calendar and are tentatively making the following changes:
Friday, April 19, 2019 – Is now a half day of school (DATE ADDED - no longer closed for Good Friday)
Monday, April 22, 2019 – Is now a regular school day (DATE ADDED - no longer closed for Easter Monday)
Monday, June 10, 2019 - Regular school day (as originally scheduled)
Tuesday, June 11, 2019 – Is now a full school day (no longer half day)
Wednesday, June 12, 2019 - Half day of school (as originally scheduled)
Thursday, June 13, 2019 - Half day of school (as originally scheduled)
Friday, June 14, 2019 – Is now a half day of school (DATE ADDED)
Monday, June 17, 2019 – Is now a half day of school for Marine City High/Middle Schools (DATE ADDED)
Monday, June 17, 2019 –Is now a regular school day for Riverview East High and Belle River Elementary Schools (DATE ADDED)
With the above days added to our calendar, the last day of school for St. Clair High, St. Clair Middle, Eddy Elementary, Gearing Elementary, Palms Elementary, and Pine River Elementary Schools would be Friday, June 14, 2019. For Marine City High, Marine City Middle, Riverview East High, and Belle River Elementary Schools, the last day of school would be Monday, June 17, 2019.
Legislation is being considered in the State that would forgive additional snow days. If this should happen, we will return to our original calendar to the extent possible. We will keep you posted on the progress.
We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation with the adjusted calendar as we address snow and make up days.
Bond Proposal Election: May 7, 2019
The East China School District Bond Steering Committee, a group of volunteers that consisted of Parents, Community Members, Board Members, and District Staff took on the charge of creating a vision for facilities that would maximize operational efficiencies and also support a culture of academic excellence and success for all students. A journey, which many participated in past district efforts, going back to 2014, aimed at addressing a sustainable picture for the future of our district.
Work was done with bi-weekly meetings to develop a cohesive vision for the district that reflects not only on our need to “right size,” but also on the learning spaces students need to prepare them properly for the next steps in their education and lives. The committee learned about our declining enrollment history, the state of our current facilities and programs, the way that learning environments can enhance student performance, the financial picture regarding bond initiatives, and details about our District’s Strategic Vision and Goals.
To refine the Committee’s direction and ultimate recommendation for board review, they invited community members, staff, parents, and students to provide their input during two community engagement sessions. They also evaluated a professional survey of the ECSD community that was conducted by EPIC-MRA to assure they were on track with the potential upgrades, improvements, and the restructuring they were considering.
On November 12, 2018, the Bond Steering Committee presented a report to the East China School Board of Education. At their November 26, 2018 meeting, the Board of Education approved moving forward with the committee’s recommendation for a bond proposal election on May 7th, 2019.
Please review the information linked below concerning the upcoming bond election and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact our superintendent.
April is Autism Awareness Month
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability. The signs typically appear during early childhood and affect a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. ASD is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum condition” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes. Some of the behaviors associated with autism include delayed learning of language; difficulty making eye contact or holding a conversation; difficulty with executive functioning, which relates to reasoning and planning; narrow, intense interests; poor motor skills and sensory sensitivities. Again, a person on the spectrum might present many of these behaviors or just a few, or many others besides. The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is applied based on analysis of all behaviors and their severity.
Having autism and going to school can be challenging. Many students with autism struggle with transitions, changes in schedules, noises, and other aspects of the school day that most students can navigate through easily. As a school community, we need to be sensitive to the needs of those students to best support them. Our goal this month is to educate all of our students and staff about autism and how to better accept, support, and encourage those with autism. A wonderful video (embedded below) is a brief, animated film that simply and brilliantly introduces autism to elementary children. We are sharing it with our students, and you might find it interesting and informative as you join us in developing a better understanding of autism.
1-2-3-4... Pine River declares a Penny War!
The Imagination Station at Greig Park in St. Clair is being rebuilt, and we are doing our part to help. Each class will collect pennies and dollars to gain points during the week of April 1st through April 5th. Silver coins can be added to other classrooms' collection buckets to lower their points. The class with the most points wins a pizza party. If we raise more money than Eddy and Gearing ($1,741 and $4,106, respectively), the will be a school-wide prize!
Don't forget to bring in your money all week! All money will go towards rebuilding the Imagination Station! Remember...
+ Points (put in your class's container): pennies and paper money
- Points (put in other classes' containers): silver coins
The class with most points will win a PIZZA PARTY!
Winter After School Enrichment Program Success!
Don't forget to register for the Daddy Daughter Dance!
Julia Letson ~ Americanism Essay Contest Winner
2019 Americanism Essay Contest
Julia's essay is shown below.
How can we address and prevent veteran homelessness in our communities? by Julia Letson
Homeless veterans may be homeless due to a variety of factors influencing all homelessness. In addition to a shortage of affordable housing, livable income and access to health care, a large number veterans live with post-traumatic stress disorder also known as PTSD.
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, “The most effective programs for homeless and at-risk veterans are community-based, nonprofit, “veterans helping veterans” groups. Programs that seem to work best feature transitional housing with the camaraderie of living in structured, substance-free environments with fellow veterans who are succeeding at bettering themselves.”
One way that we can address and prevent veteran homelessness in our communities is by participating in local homeless coalitions. We can start by joining an awareness group and donating money. We could raise awareness and additional donations by hosting fundraisers such as car washes, 5k walks/runs, hosting a Veteran’s Day parade, or collecting pop bottles. We could make and hang posters promoting the events and encourage veterans to participate as a way to show how much our communities care for them. Funds raised could start a program called Be a Friend, Help a Hero. This program would pair at-risk veterans with another veteran who would be a coach and mentor. Both veterans would benefit from their relationship with each other. Even if a veteran is lucky enough to have a supportive family, no one can truly understand like another veteran can. Volunteers such as counselors could help create the matches.
As stated above, “veterans helping veterans” is the most effective way to support homeless and at-risk veterans. Camaraderie in a substance-free environment leads to healthier, happier veterans.
M-STEP Testing
Our students in grades 3-5 will take the M-STEP or MI-Access test this spring. The results from the tests help us measure how well our students are acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to meet future academic and workplace demands. At Pine River, we use this information, along with classroom data, to improve instruction. The M-STEP results also provide valuable information to parents about their child’s academic achievement.
We want all of our students to perform at their best on the M-STEP or MI-Access. Teachers have been working hard to help students become familiar with the online format of the test, and our upper elementary students have become very proficient in using computers, in general, to learn and demonstrate knowledge. On your student’s testing days, please make sure that s/he is present and well-rested. Providing a healthy breakfast and encouragement will help your child be physically and mentally prepared for the testing, as well.
Following is our M-STEP schedule:
Fifth Grade
Tuesday, April 9 - ELA
Wednesday, April 10 - Science
Tuesday, April 16 - Mathematics
Wednesday, April 17 - Social Studies
Fourth Grade
Tuesday, April 30 - ELA
Wednesday, May 1 - Mathematics
Third Grade
Tuesday, May 14 - ELA
Wednesday, May 15 - Mathematics
The MI-Access test will be administered to students on various days as it fits into their schedules.
Together, we will make the M-STEP and MI-Access testing experience smooth and successful for our students!
Epic! Digital Library
Students can access their subscriptions for free during school hours, and flyers were sent home with information about free 30-day at-home trials and discounted home subscriptions. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Dingman.
Administrative Professionals Day!
Spring Field Trips
Mother Son Bowling Fun!
Pine River Science and Engineering Fair
Science Fair Projects
Addison Oles~Which Soil Types Hold Water?
Zakir Jahn~Which Detergent Works Best?
Dane Robinsoin~Which Fabrics Burn the Fastest?
Elizabeth Michaels~Homemade Vs. Store Bought Water Filter
Audrey Cole~Uncolor the Rainbow
Laila Yost~The Crystals of Borax
James Gruben~Feel the Burn
Jack Lambert~Sip All Day, Get Decay
Daniel Kiger~Music and Concentration
Mason Brenner~What Bread Molds the Fastest?
Sarah Martin~Ready, Set, Clean
Kylie Cunningham~The Heart Goes On
Bailey Harter~Slime Time
Savanna Walsh~Salt Vs. Sugar
Lily Hack~Sunscreen Solution
Haley Balok~Need to Germinate Just Don't Radiate
Cami Romzek~Cheap Vs. Expensive
Grace Askew~How to Feed Your Flowers
Caleb Chase~What's Popping?
Ava Betcher~The Meltdown
Cecilia Zimmer~Rusty Rust
Grace Kenyon~Invasion of the Germs
Emily Kocsis~Electometal
Molly McNabb~Mold Busters
Benjamin Harwood~How Does Ambient Air Affect Solar Cars?
Lauren Maier~Poison With Another Name
Noah Phelan~How High Will It Fly?
Mallory Griffin~Light It Up!
Amaya Graebert~Battery Power Savings
Independent Design Projects
Connor Bastianelli~Mousetrap Car
Noah Bean~Coke Dispenser
Leah Betz~Snack Machine
Ethan Bingham~The "Eminem" Dispenser
Lauren Black~Dog Food Dispenser
Evan Brown~Thirst Dispenser
Cody Burke~Gumball Machine
Lilah Cron~Lilah's Gumball Dispenser
Alexandrea Czenkus~Marble Run
Amira El Hadri~Spinner
Gretchen Guevara~Domino Time
Benjamin Harwood~Pop Dispenser
Christopher Herms~Dog Food Dispenser
Truman Jarsma~Gumball Machine
Jacob Johns~Jellybean Dispenser
Shaylynn Korte~Dog Feeder
Julia Letson~Gumball Machine 117
Ronald Mason~Wooden Catapult
Jacob Melczarczyk~Gumball 2,000
Haylee Mills~Gumball Pig
Timothy Reuba~Candy Dispenser
Kaden Pruehs~Dog Food Feeder 9,000
Tristan Richardson~Dog Food Dispenser
Jane Sagan~Forbidden Gumball Machine
Braden Schalk~Jellybean Machine
Jack Shafer~The Gumball Machine
Dane Stockwell~The Cat Petter
Zaira Sullivan~Candy Dispenser 1,000
Ezra Taube~The Gumbash-Gumball Machine
Hailey Will~Candy Dispenser
Walter Zacharias~Dog Food Dispenser
Thank You!
Thank you to our judges who volunteered their time to score our Science Fair projects!
Julie Beach
Alexandra Card
Emily Card
Rachel Card
Catherine Christensen
Lisa Ford
Gary Griffin
Tonya Huston
Nikki LaParl
Darcee Schneider
Andrea Ursitti
Terri Williams
Thank you to Mr. Gary Griffin for coordinating the Science and Engineering Fair at Pine River and working with our fifth graders to develop their projects!
Flint Regional Science Fair Winners!
Congratulations to our students who competed at the Flint Regional Science Fair this weekend! We are proud of each of them. Here are the results: Haley Balok-Honorable Mention, Ava Betcher-Honorable Mention, Amaya Graebert-5th Place Finish, James Gruben-3rd Place Finish & Advanced Urgent Care Award, Lily Hack-4th Place Finish & Health & Medicine Award, Benjamin Harwood-Honorable Mention, Molly McNabb-Honorable Mention & McLaren Hospital Biochemistry Award.
Thank you to Mr. Gary Griffin for facilitating this experience for our students and for coaching and supporting them through the entire process. This experience was a great opportunity for our students!
Pioneers Raise Money for Kids Heart Challenge
Our physical education teacher, Michael Oberski, led Pine River students in the Kids Heart Challenge, a national education and fundraising events sponsored by the American Heart Association. The challenge focused no students avoiding sugary drinks, doing at least one good deed, and exercising for 60 minutes every day. Students raised $4002.00 for the American Heart Association and participated in fun exercises in their P.E. classes, while also learning about the importance of keeping the heart healthy. The top fundraisers were Nina Oleaga ($500), Hayden Snively ($370), Makayla Stapley ($205), Carleigh Alex ($190), Charlotte Worley ($185), Emily Kocsis ($180), Max Vargo ($150), Lainey Ball ($135), and Charlie Malburg ($125). In addition to supporting the American Heart Association, the money raised will fund the purchase of new gym equipment for Pine River!
Book Fair
Classroom Placement Consideration Forms
Morning Drop-Off Reminders
Pioneers of the Month
All of our students strive to be motivated learners, as well as model citizens. Each month we will honor students from each class who exemplify the following qualities:
Academic
- Student prepares for classroom activities.
- Student approaches learning with enthusiasm.
- Student has made steady progress in the classroom.
- Student has been working to his/her potential.
- Student completes all assignments and homework.
- Student has a good work ethic and is diligent.
Leadership/ Citizenship/ Character
- Student demonstrates respect of self and others.
- Student assists others in need.
- Student shows acts of kindness.
- Student demonstrates a positive attitude.
- Student displays good conduct.
- Student is a positive role model by example.
- Student participates and puts forth full effort in all areas.
- Student follows school rules.
Kindergarten
Ms. Duda's Class: Quinndalyn Gilroy and Colin Blake
Mrs. Schneider's Class: Matthew Phelan and Peyton Cunningham
First Grade
Mrs. Jensen's Class: Travis Jesse and McKennah Deraedt
Mrs. Wise's Class: Amarianna Buckner and Caleb Gilroy
Second Grade
Mrs. Kenyon's Class: Sarenity Dano and Owen Ecker
Mrs. Williams' Class: Rose Hill and Abigail Fahner
Third Grade
Mrs. Koprivica's Class: Lara Ritchie and Mallorie Randall
Ms. Peterson's Class: Alexis Simon and Jonathan Kiger
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Huston's Class: Annelise Huston and Andrew Schalk
Mrs. Ursitti's Class: Madison Heythaler and Liam Sullivan
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Beach's Class: Christopher Herms and Leah Betz
Mr. Griffin's Class: Bailey Harter and Alexandrea Czenkus
Mrs. LaParl's Class: Charlotte Whalen
Mrs. VanderMeulen's Class: Jamie Gilbert
Pioneer Code of Conduct
Kind,
Courteous,
Respectful,
Responsible,
and always Safe!
New St. Clair County Community Prevention Coalition
The St. Clair County Health Department needs our help. The St. Clair County Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth (MiPHY) data has identified the need for a new community youth prevention coalition. Substance use is at the root of many societal concerns, such as not graduating, behavioral issues, truancy, violence, or family problems. Other communities around Michigan and the nation have adopted prevention coalitions leading to positive outcomes.
The Health Department has asked that all St. Clair County schools have representation from staff, parents, and students at three planning sessions to help map out strategies that improve the health of our youth.
Please see the attached invitation and a graphic that gives a visual of the issue and possible solution for more information.
If you are interested in participating in this Coalition, please RSVP using the link provided on the flyer. The East China School District Administration will also have a representative at each of the planning sessions.
Skyward Family Access
Family Access Main Page
Once you login, the main page of Family Access will appear. The sections below outline the various areas within Family Access.
At the top of the screen, you will see the name of your child. If you have more than one child in the school district, you can click on the drop-down arrow to select other children.
Account Information
In the upper right hand corner of the screen in the Account Info. button. This button can be used to change your login password or add/edit your email address. Please review and make sure all information is correct.
Link on the Main Page
Click on the different links on the left side of the page to view the variety of information offered for your child.
How to Generate Your Child's Report Card
- Click on the Portfolio button on the left side.
- Choose the Quarter number of the desired report card.
- Wait for the report card to be generated.
- Click View Report.
How to Find Class Grades
- Click on the Gradebook button on the left side.
- Click on Display options.
- Click Show Current Term Only.
How to Find Missing Assignments
- Click on the Gradebook button on the left side.
- Click on Show All.
- Click Show Only for Current Term.
Spring Sports Power Snacking
Spring sports are starting, and kids need quick energy during their busy athletic schedules. A little planning will help avoid your child loading up on unhealthy foods before and after practices and games.
The best fueling up plan for kids before a practice or game is to hydrate with lots of water and eat healthy carbohydrates. Some great examples of healthy carbs for this purpose are whole grain cereals and breads, low-fat yogurt, fruits, and vegetables.
Pre-Practice or Game Snack Ideas:
- Whole grain pretzels with peanut butter
- Half of a wheat bagel with peanut butter
- Fresh fruit (strawberries,oranges, apples blueberries and grapes)
- Raisins with peanuts
- Carrots, celery, a pita and hummus
- Banana with peanut butter or almond butter
- Pretzel with a Laughing Cow or Babybel cheese
What a body craves and needs after physical activity is to rehydrate with liquids and repair muscles with protein.
Post-Practice or Game Snack Ideas:
- Applesauce and string cheese
- Fruit and protein smoothies
- Real fruit or yogurt popsicles
- Trail mix
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Half of a wheat bagel with peanut butter
- Lunch meat roll ups (pick your athlete's favorite lunch meat and roll it up with a slice of cheese)
Mission: The mission of the Pine River school community is to work collaboratively, providing an enriched curriculum that allows for intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and creative growth in a positive and safe environment, empowering all children to become productive lifelong learners.
Pine River Elementary is dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and achieve through the combined efforts of the staff, parents, students, and community.